VALPARAISO — Porter County officials from both parties praised Treasurer Mike Bucko, who announced Monday he is resigning from office, almost midway through his second term.

Citing his age — he will turn 70 at the end of next month — and changes in the Public Employee Retirement Fund which take effect Sept. 1, Bucko, a Democrat, decided it was time to resign.

He would lose an initial 4 percent out of his PERF and 11 percent annually if he were to remain in office until the end of his term. * * *

“I know with the changes in PERF it was very advantageous to retire,” said County Council President Dan Whitten, D-At-large. “He’s been knowledgeable and hard-working for the county. He’s given us some good years. I’m sorry to see him go.”